TOYOTA

“I am very, very happy to do it, it’s the toughest Dakar that I’ve done in the last eleven years. For sure, I’m very happy – me and Timo and my team did a great job like always. For sure, I am proud to become the first Saudi guy winning a Saudi Dakar. Now, it is time to look at the next step, the world champion title.” 

YAR

• In addition to being a fierce adversary and a formidable competitor, Yazeed Al Rajhi is known for his kindness and generosity in the Dakar bivouacs. For several years, he has systematically organised banquets, often on the rest day, to which he invites many competitors.
• On his first appearance in 2015 already behind the wheel of a Toyota Hilux, he scored his maiden victory on day 8, before being forced to retire while in third place. After a stint with Mini (three Dakars between 2017 and 2019), he had to wait until 2022 before finally stepping onto the podium's third step. Runner-up in the W2RC World Championship for the last two years behind his fiercest rival Nasser Al Attiyah, the Riyadh native will look to make up for his retirement on stage 6 of the previous Dakar, following an accident during the first act of the 48h marathon stage.
• Born into the prestigious Al Rajhi family, who made their fortune in banking, Yazeed specialises in real estate and catering in addition to his racing career, which began in the WRC before moving on to rally-raid.
• The 43-year-old driver, winner of the 2024 Desafio Ruta 40 (ahead of Al Attiyah), is one of the favourites on the Dakar but will once again have to be patient. He will have the support of his veteran co-driver, Timo Gottschalk, winner of the 2011 Dakar... at the time alongside Al Attiyah!